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Chris Wesseling

Waiver Wired

Revving up Rashad

Maurice Jones has already been ruled out for Week 8. Coach Mike Mularkey said it appears Jones-Drew has an arch sprain “based on the pressure and where the initial swelling comes from.” Until the testing comes back, however, there remains concern that MJD could have a season-ending Lisfranc fracture similar to the one that ruined Matt Schaub’s 2011 season. Our expectation is that Rashad Jennings will take over as the three-down back for at least several weeks, if not the rest of the season.

Jennings managed just 44 yards on 21 carries against an improving Raiders run defense, but chipped in seven catches for 58 yards as a 28-touch workhorse. With a well-rounded game as one of the league's most talented and reliable backups, Jennings has averaged a stout 4.8 yards per on 157 career carries and 7.6 yards per on 51 receptions. Looking back to August when Jennings was prepping for the offensive focal point role with Jones-Drew holding out, he averaged 4.5 yards on 47 preseason carries.

Even in Jacksonville's league-worst offense, Jennings has fantasy value as a high-volume runner in a bleak running-back landscape. He's the no-brainer top waiver pickup for Week 8.

A quick word on the Lions wide receivers. Nate Burleson had seen 18 percent of Matthew Stafford’s targets (8.6 per game) and handled six percent of the Lions’ rushing attempts this season. His season-ending broken leg is going to have major fantasy repercussions in Detroit.

Titus Young played 58-of-69 snaps compared to Ryan Broyles’ 35 versus the Bears. Young will get a chance to stabilize his fantasy value as the starter after a disappointing first half, but it’s slot receiver Broyles who will see the biggest jump in playing time.

The Lions may have trouble finding the end zone, but they still rank fourth in total yards this season. Young and Broyles are both worthy of a roster spot in 12-team leagues. Broyles may actually be the better choice in PPR formats.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 8. Full write-ups of each player are below.

Josh Freeman, Buccaneers - The schedule has been soft, but it’s still impressive that Freeman has averaged 31 fantasy points the past two games, trailing only a red-hot Aaron Rodgers. Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams are making plays down the field, and Doug Martin is starting to develop the hot hand on the ground. The Bucs offense could be an emerging fantasy goldmine against the Vikings, Raiders, Chargers and Panthers over the next month.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Brandon Weeden, Browns - Weeden’s pocket presence was an issue leading up to the draft and throughout the preseason, but he’s shown steady improvement each week since the regular season started. The rookie is sixth in fantasy points over the past three weeks, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, RGIII, Andrew Luck, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Weeden is averaging 277.5 yards over the past six games and has found the end zone twice in each of the past three outings. He’s reached high-end QB2 territory.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Sam Bradford, Rams - Bradford still has trouble consistently hitting big plays behind a shaky offensive line, but his arm has been impressive this season. He draws a Patriots secondary that has surrendered an average of 310.5 yards to Mark Sanchez and Russell Wilson, two quarterbacks struggling mightily entering the game. The Pats also allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Jake Locker, Titans - With Matt Hasselbeck producing a pair of last-minute victories, coach Mike Munchak will give Locker one more week to get his shoulder back to 100 percent. When Locker returns, he will find a healthy Kenny Britt and a rejuvenated Chris Johnson. This offense has breakout potential in the second half of the season.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins - Tannehill has a tough Week 8 matchup against a Jets defense that has shown surprising backbone after losing its best player. Starting in Week 9, though, the schedule opens up with games against the Colts, Titans, Bills and Patriots in four of the next five weeks.

Quinn has been named the Chiefs’ starting QB going forward. As we pointed out a couple of weeks ago, Quinn has five games under 100 yards in 13 career starts. … Head coach Mike Mularkey even admitted the offense was “inept” with Henne under center at Oakland. Mularkey will know by Wednesday or Thursday whether or not Blaine Gabbert will play through a labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder. … The Eagles are sticking with Vick. I believe they will continue to stick with Vick. With upcoming games versus the Falcons and Saints, however, it’s conceivable that Foles’ name with resurface if the Eagles are 3-5 entering Week 10.

Maurice Jones has already been ruled out for Week 8. Coach Mike Mularkey said it appears Jones-Drew has an arch sprain “based on the pressure and where the initial swelling comes from.” Until the testing comes back, however, there remains concern that MJD could have a season-ending Lisfranc fracture similar to the one that ruined Matt Schaub’s 2011 season. Our expectation is that Rashad Jennings will take over as the three-down back for at least several weeks, if not the rest of the season.

Jennings managed just 44 yards on 21 carries against an improving Raiders run defense, but chipped in seven catches for 58 yards as a 28-touch workhorse. With a well-rounded game as one of the league's most talented and reliable backups, Jennings has averaged a stout 4.8 yards per on 157 career carries and 7.6 yards per on 51 receptions. Looking back to August when Jennings was prepping for the offensive focal point role with Jones-Drew holding out, he averaged 4.5 yards on 47 preseason carries.

Even in Jacksonville's league-worst offense, Jennings has fantasy value as a high-volume runner in a bleak running-back landscape. He's the no-brainer top waiver pickup for Week 8.

A quick word on the Lions wide receivers. Nate Burleson had seen 18 percent of Matthew Stafford’s targets (8.6 per game) and handled six percent of the Lions’ rushing attempts this season. His season-ending broken leg is going to have major fantasy repercussions in Detroit.

Titus Young played 58-of-69 snaps compared to Ryan Broyles’ 35 versus the Bears. Young will get a chance to stabilize his fantasy value as the starter after a disappointing first half, but it’s slot receiver Broyles who will see the biggest jump in playing time.

The Lions may have trouble finding the end zone, but they still rank fourth in total yards this season. Young and Broyles are both worthy of a roster spot in 12-team leagues. Broyles may actually be the better choice in PPR formats.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 8. Full write-ups of each player are below.

Josh Freeman, Buccaneers - The schedule has been soft, but it’s still impressive that Freeman has averaged 31 fantasy points the past two games, trailing only a red-hot Aaron Rodgers. Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams are making plays down the field, and Doug Martin is starting to develop the hot hand on the ground. The Bucs offense could be an emerging fantasy goldmine against the Vikings, Raiders, Chargers and Panthers over the next month.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Brandon Weeden, Browns - Weeden’s pocket presence was an issue leading up to the draft and throughout the preseason, but he’s shown steady improvement each week since the regular season started. The rookie is sixth in fantasy points over the past three weeks, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, RGIII, Andrew Luck, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Weeden is averaging 277.5 yards over the past six games and has found the end zone twice in each of the past three outings. He’s reached high-end QB2 territory.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Sam Bradford, Rams - Bradford still has trouble consistently hitting big plays behind a shaky offensive line, but his arm has been impressive this season. He draws a Patriots secondary that has surrendered an average of 310.5 yards to Mark Sanchez and Russell Wilson, two quarterbacks struggling mightily entering the game. The Pats also allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Jake Locker, Titans - With Matt Hasselbeck producing a pair of last-minute victories, coach Mike Munchak will give Locker one more week to get his shoulder back to 100 percent. When Locker returns, he will find a healthy Kenny Britt and a rejuvenated Chris Johnson. This offense has breakout potential in the second half of the season.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins - Tannehill has a tough Week 8 matchup against a Jets defense that has shown surprising backbone after losing its best player. Starting in Week 9, though, the schedule opens up with games against the Colts, Titans, Bills and Patriots in four of the next five weeks.

Quinn has been named the Chiefs’ starting QB going forward. As we pointed out a couple of weeks ago, Quinn has five games under 100 yards in 13 career starts. … Head coach Mike Mularkey even admitted the offense was “inept” with Henne under center at Oakland. Mularkey will know by Wednesday or Thursday whether or not Blaine Gabbert will play through a labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder. … The Eagles are sticking with Vick. I believe they will continue to stick with Vick. With upcoming games versus the Falcons and Saints, however, it’s conceivable that Foles’ name with resurface if the Eagles are 3-5 entering Week 10.

Rashad Jennings, Jaguars - Jennings will take over as the rare three-down back with pass catching ability and goal-line opportunities as long as Maurice Jones-Drew is out of the lineup. That will be at least one game and perhaps for the remainder of the season. The vibes out of Jacksonville have not been positive on the MJD front. Unlike unproven sudden starters such as Alex Green, William Powell and Vick Ballard, Jennings has a documented history as a talented, productive player. He’s going to be a high-volume fantasy back with a career per-carry average of 4.8, somewhat offset by the Jaguars subpar offense and a tough matchup versus the Packers in Week 8.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Jonathan Dwyer, Steelers - Coach Mike Tomlin revealed Tuesday that Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) “have a chance to play” against the Redskins. Neither back was close to playing last week, so they’re still fighting an uphill battle to get back on the field for Week 8. The inference is that Dwyer may hold fantasy value for just one more week even if he draws another start following his impressive 122-yard outing at Cincinnati. Until we have more clarity on the Steelers backfield, Dwyer should be owned in all leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Vick Ballard, Colts - Beat writer Phillip Wilson believes Donald Brown (knee) will be sidelined one more week, leaving Ballard as the presumed starter coming off a 21-touch, 103-yard effort against the Browns. Ballard has another plus matchup this week against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing backs -- including a combined 222 yards to Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller in Week 7.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Montario Hardesty, Browns - Coach Pat Shurmur isn’t ruling out an off week for Trent Richardson to rest his ribs against the Chargers. The Browns will make a determination after watching him in practice later this week. If Richardson continues to look tentative, Hardesty will be in for the start. Lacking big-play ability and a role in the passing game, Hardesty would be a mere flex option against a defense allowing the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing backs.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Kendall Hunter, 49ers - Frank Gore was a full participant in Monday’s practice, so his rib injury isn’t a major concern heading into Week 8 at Arizona. As we saw from Trent Richardson, though, running backs can struggle to remain effective while playing through rib pain. As high-upside insurance, Hunter should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

La’Rod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals - On the positive side, LSH forced 11 missed tackles on 24 touches while racking up a career-high 149 yards at Minnesota. A closer inspection reveals that the poor-tackling Vikings dared the Cardinals to beat them with the run, believing the offense couldn’t sustain long drives without Larry Fitzgerald involved. It’s fair to question whether Stephens-Howling would have produced the hot hand if William Powell hadn’t landed in the dog house due to a fumble on the opening kickoff. Arizona’s offensive line remains the least effective run-blocking unit in the NFL, and Powell could be out of the dog house for Week 8 in a daunting matchup versus the 49ers. The Cardinals face the Packers in Week 9 before the Week 10 bye, when Beanie Wells is allowed to return to practice. Don’t go overboard on Stephens-Howling this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Shane Vereen, Patriots - With Brandon Bolden (knee) out of the lineup, Vereen took over as the change-of-pace to Stevan Ridley. Vereen was impressive in racking up 6.1 yards per on eight carries and should be rostered until Bolden is given the green light to return. Ridley remains the workhorse for now, but there’s always a fair amount of fluidity in New England’s backfield.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Daryl Richardson, Rams - St. Louis’ backfield is taking on the Bills model, with Richardson in the C.J. Spiller role as a complement to inside runner Steven Jackson. Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed that Richardson will stay involved, likely on pitches, stretches, and screens to get him the ball in space. At 10-12 touches per week, Richardson is merely a flex option barring an injury to Jackson.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Andre Brown, Giants - Fully recovered from a concussion, Brown leap-frogged David Wilson to regain his role as Ahmad Bradshaw’s backup. Bradshaw’s foot came out of Sunday’s game no worse for the wear, leaving Brown as merely a handcuff option going forward.

Harper is worth a look in touchdown-heavy leagues as the poor man’s LenDale White. ... Alex Green has averaged 2.38 YPC in two starts. He’s not long for the feature back job if that trend continues. … Hillis is due back from his ankle injury, though I’m skeptical that he will accrue fantasy value with Jamaal Charles playing so well. … The Jags will sign a street free agent at running back. For now, though, Parmele is the backup to Rashad Jennings. … Ben Tate suffered a hamstring injury versus the Ravens, but the Texans are entering their bye week. Hold off on Forsett for now.

Wide Receivers

Jeremy Kerley, Jets - Over the past three weeks, Mark Sanchez’s new go-to receiver is top-10 in yards (238) and top-15 in targets (26) and receptions (15). Sanchez called Kerley a “special talent” after last week’s 120-yard effort at New England. Kerley is developing into a complete receiver, playing both outside and in the slot while showing punt-returner caliber playmaking ability after the catch. In weighing Kerley versus Titus Young, I would give the edge to the former for consistency reasons.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Titus Young, Lions - Playing through knee soreness, Young has been one of fantasy’s biggest disappointments this season. Before Nate Burleson’s broken leg, Young had only topped 20 yards in the game that featured his Hail Mary touchdown to send the game to overtime. Taking over as an every-down receiver, Young reeled in 6-of-8 targets for 81 yards at Chicago. If Young is over the knee pain -- and he appeared to move well while starting over Burleson Monday night -- he has WR3 potential while operating against single coverage opposite Calvin Johnson. The Lions offense may not be clicking, but there’s plenty of regression potential if Matthew Stafford can straighten out his mechanics in the second half of the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Ryan Broyles, Lions - The NCAA’s all-time receptions leader, Broyles is finally near full health after tearing his ACL last November. He was able to get off the press at the line versus the Bears, is a polished route runner, has great hands and can make plays after the catch. In addition to his 12-yard touchdown, Broyles was also the target on Matthew Stafford’s end-zone interception. With Calvin Johnson drawing so much defensive attention, the slot should be ripe for Broyles’ picking in the second half of the season. Broyles’ upside is higher than Young’s in PPR formats, and he should be cheaper to acquire this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Josh Gordon, Browns - Thanks to a 22.2 catch percentage in Week 7, Gordon now trails only Justin Blackmon for worst catch percentage among starting wide receivers. Gordon’s catch percentage is certainly affected by Brandon Weeden’s sixth-worst accuracy percentage. On a positive note, the two have shown a penchant for connecting on big plays down the field. Even with the Browns receivers getting back to full health, Gordon has done enough to remain Weeden’s No. 1 target. Just don’t expect every-week consistency from the raw rookies.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders - Nearly a month removed from his scary concussion, DHB finally looked like himself again in Week 7. Heyward-Bey led the Raiders with 85 yards and drew an end-zone pass interference penalty that set up the game-tying touchdown. Although he remains behind Denarius Moore in the pecking order, Heyward-Bey should be owned more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Chris Givens, Rams - Givens led Rams receivers with 87 yards on five targets and one rushing attempt versus the Packers. For the fourth consecutive week, Givens produced a 50-yard pass play, this time on a screen pass. His four plays of 50+ yards lead all NFL receivers. If ever there was a week to roll with the play-making rookie, it’s against a Patriots secondary allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Leonard Hankerson, Redskins - With Pierre Garcon out of the lineup, Hankerson led Redskins receivers in snaps (69), targets (8), catches (6) and yards (70) versus the Giants in Week 7. Garcon is tentatively expected to rest through the Week 10 bye, leaving Hankerson as Robert Griffin’s top receiver against the Steelers and Panthers the next two weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Santana Moss, Redskins - While Pierre Garcon nurses a foot injury, it may seem like Moss has ascended to the No. 1 receiver role with an average stat line of 3/64/1 over the past three weeks. A closer look reveals that Moss was on the field for just 17-of-71 snaps (23.9 percent) as the third receiver versus the Giants. Leonard Hankerson played 69-of-71 snaps and doubled Moss’ targets. It makes more sense to roster Hank going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Cecil Shorts, Jaguars - Laurent Robinson (concussions) has no timetable for a return, leaving Shorts as the starter opposite an ineffective Justin Blackmon. Shorts saw a season-high 10 targets at Oakland, producing a 4/79/1 stat line that does not include an offensive pass interference penalty and an overtime lost fumble that thwarted the Jaguars’ chances of winning. Shorts can be rostered in deeper leagues, but Jacksonville’s passing game is always going to be hit-or-miss.

Simpson has a nice matchup against a Bucs secondary that was torched for 300+ yards and four TDs in the first half last week. … Walter has topped 50 yards just twice this season. … Quick is finally seeing the field, but he’s yet to play more than 20 snaps in a game. … With Marvin Jones injured, Sanu will likely ascend to the starting lineup if Armon Binns isn’t back for Week 8.

Lance Moore is back to full health, and the Saints “feel good” about Jimmy Graham’s status for Week 8. Henderson had just three targets versus the Bucs and will struggle to top that figure with Moore and Graham back.

Tight Ends

Martellus Bennett, Giants - Bennett was dropped in quite a few leagues after “messing some sh*t up” in his knee a couple of weeks ago. Although Bennett believes he played his worst game against the Redskins, it was a highly encouraging sign that he was once again running vertical routes to go with an uptick in targets. Bennett is back on the low-end TE1 radar heading into an NFC East grudge match at Dallas.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Dustin Keller, Jets - Finally over a hamstring injury that ruined the first month and a half of the season, Keller dropped a 7/93/1 line on the Patriots in Week 7. He has a tough matchup versus the Dolphins before the Jets enter their bye week. As Mark Sanchez’s most reliable weapon, Keller is worth stashing as a potential TE1 for the second half of the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Anthony Fasano, Dolphins - Fasano has caught at least four passes in three of the past four games. While he’s never going to be a reliable week-to-week fantasy starter, the matchup is right this week against a Jets defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Brandon Myers, Raiders - Myers has been a reliable option in PPR formats, reaching 5+ receptions and 50+ yards in four of six games this season. He’s yet to find the end zone, though, and offers nothing after the catch. Those in standard-scoring leagues should be aiming for higher upside.

The Bucs made an effort to incorporate Clark into the offense in Week 7, but it was his first game over 35 yards all season. I need to see him do that again before burning a roster spot. … Miller draws three of the eight most generous tight-end defenses over the next three weeks. … Housler has topped 45 yards in three of the past four games, and John Skelton targeted him more than Kevin Kolb ever did. … Paulsen is in a timeshare with Niles Paul and Chris Cooley.

Chandler is worthless if he’s not finding the end zone with regularity. It’s been three games since he’s scored a touchdown or topped 40 yards.

Team Defense

Raiders - Oakland has shut down the ground attacks of the Falcons and Jaguars since their bye week. The opposing QB this week is averaging roughly 160 yards in 13 career starts and authored a red-zone interception as well as a pick-six in his one start this season. It’s never a bad idea to rev up the opposing fantasy D/ST when Brady Quinn is under center.

Lions - The Lions have a home game against the Seahawks and their struggling passing game. Seattle doesn’t turn the ball over with great frequency, but they do have trouble racking up high yardage totals. Detroit is a better fantasy play in leagues that award points for low scores and yards.

Chris Wesseling is a senior football editor and Dynasty league analyst for Rotoworld.com. The 2011 NFL season marks his fifth year with Rotoworld and his third year contributing to NBCSports.com. He can be found on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.Email :Chris Wesseling